Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging (also called nuclear medicine or nuclear imaging) can image the function of cells inside the body at the molecular level. This includes the imaging modalities of positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. How does PET and SPECT imaging work? Small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) injected into a patient. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT.  But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders. 

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Angiogenic gene therapy shows promise in phase III SPECT study

Taxus Cardium Pharmaceuticals Group have announced encouraging interim phase III cardiac SPECT imaging results from the international ASPIRE (Efficacy and Safety of Ad5FGF-4 for Myocardial Ischemia in Patients With Stable Angina Due to Coronary Artery Disease) trial. Generx Ad5FGF-4 is a potential angiogenic gene therapy for the development of new vascularization. The data was presented June 24 during the 2014 BIO International Convention in the company’s home base of San Diego.

Sofie and PerkinElmer to market preclinical hybrids, biopharmaceuticals

PerkinElmer announced an agreement with Sofie Biosciences this month to commercialize the latter's preclinical PET, 3D CT and X-ray systems.

NCM and ImaginAb to commercialize Zr-89

New York City-based PET radiopharmaceutical development company NCM USA announced this month that ImaginAb will be working on labeling zirconium-89 (Zr-89) and manufacturing practice in a new long-term contract with NCM. 

UT Austin produces alternative means of enriching targets

The University of Texas Austin announced yesterday that a new method for enriching targets for medical isotopes has been developed and patented.

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Breast Imaging market could rise to $3B by 2019

A market report on breast imaging technologies published this month by research firm Markets and Markets forecasts growth in breast imaging to approximately $3 billion in the next five years.

Moving past monetary incentive: Repurposing approved drugs for Alzheimer's

There may be drugs at the industry's fingertips, already approved, that could be of value in treating patients with neurodegenerative disease if repurposed and brought to regulatory approval for expanded indications, but these may be stalled due to rundown patents and a lack of financial incentive in the market, according the a study published June 24 in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.

Super Bowl champion becomes AAN spokesperson for TBI awareness

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Brain Foundation announced yesterday that they have named former NFL champion Ben Utecht an official, nationwide spokesperson for the AAN. Utecht will now be charged with advocating awareness of sports concussions and their dangers.

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International Academy of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions 2014

The 19th world congress on heart disease organized by the International Academy of Cardiology will be covering the cutting edge of cardiovascular research, including molecular and cellular cardiology, from July 25-28 at the Hyatt Regency Boston.

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.